Did you know that the statistic for children who are obese (100+ lbs overweight) in 2004 was 18%? Another astonishing stat was that if you factor in those children who are classified as ‘overweight’ the stat rises to 28% of the population! This is 4 years ago…I know it is higher now. It is obviously a REAL CONCERN when the courts are now looking at a child’s weight in terms of custody. I just heard this on the television. A parent or possibly both may lose their right to have custody of their children because that child is obese.


Do you see this as a form of abuse? Who is to blame? Well, if you ask me, a child is a child. We are the caregivers. We are the ones who are suppose to be providing these dependent little people with not only a loving, nuturing home but also nutritious food. When I see a 3 year old running around at a waterpark with their belly hanging out…this really disturbs me! This is sooo wrong! I do feel blame towards the parents. We are the role models! And not only is it one odd child here and there that is overweight…it is becoming the norm!

If our children see us sitting around in our spare time, they will do the same. If we are always munching on chips and drinking pop…they will do the same! If we associate a fit and healthy lifestyle as ‘hard work’ and ‘too time consuming’ and ‘painful’ and ‘gruelling’…what do you think our children will internalize?! Of course, they will only adopt these beliefs!

As we all know, beliefs are powerful! We are shaped by our values and beliefs. They are the ROCK that determines our actions. Think back to your own childhood. What kind of beliefs did you internalize regarding exercise and food? You need to challenge these beliefs if they did not support a fit lifestyle. I say this because our society is now faced with a real problem. OBESE/OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN. We have reached epidemic levels. The fact that this will become only worse if we don’t start to change is scary. Overweight children are now at increased risk of: Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, and a variety of heart conditions. Something needs to be done and it starts with YOU. It has to start in the home. It has to start with caregivers putting a priority on healthy eating and exercise on a daily basis…for life!

Trust me, I know it’s a different society from when you grew up. Parents are more challenged today, more than ever, to get their children active. We are always battling the right amount of T.V. time, computer time, playstation, game boy, webkinz….the list goes on! These are all sedentary activities! I know it’s a battle because the kids love this stuff! We just limit the time spent on this and are firm about exercise. Our children know that it is important. We make it fun. We get outside with them and play tag. They then internalize that fitness is fun and mom & dad enjoy it too.

So, I ask you…What do you do in your home that shows how much you value fitness and healthy eating?

Let’s work together to stop childhood obesity from escalating!

Cheers to health,

Angie

C.P.T.
B.Ed.